19th – 26th MAY 2024
Dordogne (or Perigord) is a beautiful region with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. For foodies, it is known as the duck, truffle, and foie gras capital of France.
It is known for its numerous castles, hence the nickname of the “Land of 1001 Castles.”
Périgord is also home to several charming medieval villages perched atop cliffs overlooking the river below and offer stunning countryside views. We taste some of the delicious local cuisine and some of the most traditional foods of Périgord. This incredible wine region produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux Blend in the world.
Who would have thought to find one of the most beautiful regions in France a mere two hours’ drive from the Bordeaux airport? If you’re looking for a truly French experience, Périgord is it!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: SUNDAY 19th MAY 2024 – BORDEAUX
Arrival at Bordeaux airport and pick up by your driver.
FOOD TOUR:
Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France, it is also very gourmand! The wine capital unveils its specialties thanks to our Bordeaux Food Tour. From canelé to wine via magret or coffee, our itineraries take you into the heart of Bordeaux life for a local experience which will prove to be original, friendly, and tasty!
Welcome dinner including drinks.
DAY 2: MONDAY 20th OF MAY 2024 – ARCACHON
Route to Arcachon; visit at leisure of the winter city and its traditional villas. Cruise on the Bay and oyster tasting.
Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, head to the Dune du Pilat highest sand Dune in Europe. From the top, you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the bay and the surrounding ocean.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: TUESDAY 21st OF MAY 2024 – LESTEVENIE – MILANDES – LA ROQUE GAGEAC – SARLAT
After breakfast, head to St Emilion. For many decades, this picturesque town has been an economic and religious centre attracting royals, winegrowers and pilgrims. Guided tour of the village and its underground church.
Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, visit this historic property of Chateau de Pressac, Grand Cru Classé of Saint Émilion, located on an exceptional and breath-taking site. Discover its terroirs as well as the local grape varieties. Learn the secrets of wine making and aging in barrels. We will make you taste our wines during a blind tasting. Tasting of 4 wines (Rosé du Château de Pressac and 3 red wines) with savoury accompaniments.
Dinner at leisure.
DAY 4: THURSDAY 23rd OF MAY 2024 – PADIRAC – ROCAMADOUR
After breakfast we visit the Gouffre of Padirac. In an area honeycombed with geological caves, this one is topping the charts. It is a huge sinkhole leading down to an underground river where you will board on a punt boat leading by a guide who will take you to the discovery of this labyrinth of stunning formations, turquoise lake and chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.
Lunch at leisure
Time at Leisure in the holy village of Rocamadour, a Centre of Christianity. Built on 3 successive levels, Rocamadour is a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers and a castle keep cascade off the cliff into the Alzou Canyon.
Dinner at leisure
DAY 5: THURSDAY 23rd OF MAY 2024 – SAINT LEON SUR VEZERE – PUYMARTIN
Today we have a guided tour of SAINT LEON SUR VEZERE and visit the Castle of Puymartin.
Lunch included at the Michelin* restaurant “Le petit Léon” in ST LEON SUR VEZERE where the chef is also an ex-South African.
After lunch visit the castle of Puymartin. This castle whose foundations date back to the 13th century (1270) was destroyed during the Hundred Years War, rebuilt in 15th century (1450) restored in 19th century (1890). It keeps tapestries, furniture, objects and mythological cabinet in grisaille (visited by appointment only). Puymartin is known to be haunted by the spirit of the White Lady. At the end of the day, enjoy a visit to the Noyeraie Landers, natural cavities that have been occupied by man since prehistory and then modified to become a fort and a city from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the Renaissance.
Dinner at leisure
DAY 6: FRIDAY 24TH OF MAY 2024 – TRUFFLE FARM – MEYSSAC – COLLONGES
Visit a local farm and taste black truffles. Discover the entire secrets of France’s Black diamond. While the art of truffle-hunting is full of well-guarded secrets, truffle farmers are willing to share their expertise and offer you a glimpse into this hidden world in the town of Sarlat. In the old days, farmers trained their pigs to find the truffles as they have a very acute sense of smelling. Today, they use dogs! We then continue to the Meyssac Farmers’ Market.
Lunch at leisure
Discover Collonges-la-Rouge. From its berry red walls and torrent of flowers to its rich heritage, Collonges[1]la-Rouge promises a ‘Kodak moment’ in every corner. A must-see village in the heart of the Dordogne Valley.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 6: FRIDAY 24TH OF MAY 2024 – COLONGE LA ROUGE – TRUFFLE FARM
Discover Collonges-la-Rouge. From its berry red walls and torrent of flowers to its rich heritage, Collonges-la-Rouge promises a ‘Kodak moment’ in every corner. A must see village in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. Visit and tasting of a black truffle farm, to discover the entire secrets of France’ Black diamond.
Lunch at the Truffle Farm.
After lunch a visit and demonstration of a walnut oil mill.
Dinner at Leisure.
DAY 7: SATURDAY 26th OF MAY 2024 – BRANTOME – CABANES DU BREUIL
After breakfast, drive to beautiful village of BRANTOME for a guided tour. We then stop for lunch at the “BAR DES AMIS”, where the owner is a South African.
Lunch at the “BAR DES AMIS”,
In the afternoon we visit a duck Farm where they produce the world famous Fois Gras. Then we continue to the “CABANES DU BREUIL” the authentic rural dwellings up to 15th century. The Cabanes du Breuil reflect the ancient ways of peasant life. The Cabanes du Breuil are accessible by a small road that winds through a forest of Périgord Noir. Their origin remains a mystery, but it is known that they served as rural housing for the Benedictines of Sarlat until the middle of the 15th century. Drive back to the hotel.
Farewell dinner including drinks.
DAY 8: SUNDAY 26TH OF MAY 2024 : DEPART BORDEAUX
After breakfast day at leisure to explore the SARLAT market and the capital of the black Perigord.
The town is known to feature the highest density of listed historical buildings in France! As you stroll through the paved streets of this medieval town, remember to raise your eyes and observe the architectural treasures around you.
Afternoon. Transfer to Bordeaux airport for your flight to Paris and depart France.
HOTELS
BW PREMIER HOTEL BORDEAUX ****
Your hotel is located in the historic centre of Bordeaux, more precisely in The Golden Triangle, the heart of “art de vivre à la Bordelaise” – The Bord the Opera House- Les Allées de Tourny, La Place des Quinconces, l’église Notre-Dame de Bordeaux, et le Marché des Grands Hommes. During and enjoy the unique architectural feature described by Victor Hugo: “Bordeaux est une ville curieuse, originale, peut-être unique. Prenez Versaille and maybe unique city. Take Versailles and mix in Anvers, and you’ll have Bordeaux”). Walk along the banks of the Garonne, up to Les Chartrons, and you’ll discover the astounding panorama of Le Port de La Lune, as well as La Cité du Vin.
NAAD BOUTIQUE HOTEL SARLAT ***
Ideal pied-à-terre to discover the Dordogne in any season, the Naâd hotel is located at the gates of the pedestrianized town centre of Sarlat-la-Canéda, capital of the Périgord Noir.
Enjoy comfortable 3-star rooms at affordable prices and attentive services in one of the most beautiful hotels in the Dordogne, whose warm welcome has earned it the best reviews. In the heart of town, this charming establishment invites you to stay on foot, a few steps from the restaurants of the historic centre, the market, and the medieval shopping streets.
END OF OUR SERVICES
RATES- LAND PACKAGE COST
Per person sharing: EUR 3236 (± R66,200)
Single Supplement: EUR 500 (±R10,300)
The South African Rand rate quoted above is based on the average exchange rate with the Euro. Should the rate of exchange increase to above EUR 1.00 / ZAR 20.20 we reserve the right to adjust the price accordingly. All flights are excluded.
Deposit: 30% deposit upon confirmation, remaining balance to be paid 45 days prior
INCLUDED
- Meet and greet upon arrival.
- Services of a qualified English-speaking local driver and guide throughout the tour.
- All transport in a luxury air-conditioned mini coach.
- 7 nights’ accommodation in four/three-star hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners.
- All sightseeing and excursions as specified.
- Marita van der Vyver as hostess on the tour.
EXCLUDED
- All international flights and airport taxes (quoted and booked separately).
- Visa Fees (± R2174 in Capago fee for South African Passport Holders)
- Driver, guide, and local escort gratuities.
- Drinks and meals not specified.
- Telephone bill, laundry, and any items of a personal nature.
- Comprehensive travel insurance. (Ask for a quote)
- Any items not specified.
NB! Comprehensive travel insurance compulsory before your first payment or when buying your airline ticket!
FLIGHTS
International flights between Johannesburg / Cape Town via Paris to Bordeaux on Air France/KLM. Approximate total flight cost per person including airport taxes: start from
R 16, 500 per person.
Flight costs are an estimate only and can only be confirmed on the day of booking as it is subject to airport tax fluctuations.
NOTES
- This tour requires a minimum of 10 guests to offer it at the quoted price.
- Maximum tour size is 14 guests.
- South African Nationals require a visa to enter France. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after travel date, with sufficient blank pages.
- Prices for flights, airport taxes, may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be payable by the traveller.
For more information contact : res@rufaro.co.za
